Thursday

"It's been a tough 2 months for our country," Gov. DeSantis said of the novel coronavirus. Here are things to know about "Phase 1" to reopen Florida

"It's been a tough two months for our country," Gov. Ron DeSantis said Wednesday at a press conference in Tallahassee.

A day before his "safer at home" order was set to expire April 30, DeSantis announced plans to reopen Florida, calling it "Safe. Smart. Step-by-Step, Plan for Florida’s Recovery."

"We have lost Floridians, which is never an easy thing," he said. "The shutdown has thrown the lives of millions into economic and social turmoil. Floridians have lost jobs through no fault of their own, and small businesses were devastated practically overnight."

DeSantis’s announcement came a day after he met with President Trump at the White House, where he indicated the state was ready to enact a version of the federal guidelines for "Phase 1" of an economic restart.

The Florida Department of Health reported 347 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 on Wednesday, increasing the state's total to 33,193. The state also verified 47 new deaths Wednesday, bringing the state's total to 1,218.

There were 5,419 hospitalizations reported, according to the FDOH. The state has tested 375,300 people.

The governor also recommended Florida’s most vulnerable population, the elderly and those with underlying health conditions, remain sheltered in place.

"People who do go out should avoid socializing in groups of more than 10 people in places that don’t provide appropriate physical distancing," he said.

What is 'Phase 1?'

According to DeSantis:

• Schools will remain in distance learning.

• Visitors won't be allowed at long-term care facilities, but DeSantis is willing to re-evaluate this.

• Elective surgeries (something that needs to be done, not necessarily cosmetic procedures) can resume statewide.

• Restaurants will reopen, with restrictions (see below).

• Churches were still open during the stay at home order, and they'll continue to be open during Phase 1.

What about the 'safer at home' order?

DeSantis' "safer at home" order was in effect from April 1-30, urging Floridians to stay at home or shelter in place, except for essential workers. He did not extend the stay at home order in Wednesday's press conference.

On April 1, the governor ordered the closure of nonessential businesses statewide starting two days later and ordered employees to work from home wherever possible.

When can we go to the movies?

A trip to the theater will have to wait.

"I'd decline to go to movie theaters now," the governor said. "Prudence dictates that we go a little slow on that."

Are bars part of Phase 1?

No. Bars and nightclubs won’t reopen yet, but DeSantis is giving approval to sporting events if they don’t include spectators.

Can we go to the gym?

Gyms are on hold, for now. In the press conference, DeSantis said he wants people to go to the gym and exercise, but urged caution in lieu of the novel coronavirus.

Can we get haircuts?

Like gyms, personal services like hairdressers, barbershops and nail salons are on hold, for now, DeSantis said. Those services are not included in Phase 1. However, selling products curbside is allowed.

Are hospital visits and nursing home visits allowed?

The state will continue to restrict visitors to nursing homes and state prisons. DeSantis cited elderly people and those most vulnerable with underlying conditions. The risk for them to catch coronavirus is greater, and they're advised to urge caution in how they interact.

Will there be more labs and a quicker response for results?

On Wednesday, DeSantis announced his plans for mobile labs, an RV, that will be driven to different parts of Florida. He said results would be available in an hour, and the testing opportunities would be mostly for health care workers and nursing homes.

What about restaurants and bars?

Florida’s restaurants can reopen Monday, May 4, at 25% capacity, if local governments allow it, and if the restaurants follow CDC recommendations, DeSantis said. Curbside service can continue.

He also suggested restaurants allow outdoor seating with social distancing and have tables set 6 feet apart outside. Indoors, restaurants could open at 25% capacity so long as staffs follow CDC recommendations.

How does this affect retail stores?

A lot of stores are open already, DeSantis said. Under Phase 1, shopping at retail stores is allowed with 25% indoor capacity. Curbside can continue.

Do we have to wear face masks?

DeSantis recommended face masks, "if you can't adequately social distance." For example, there's no need to wear a mask when jogging. "But if you're face to face, it's a good idea to wear one."

What about parks?

Parks, golf courses, beaches and other outdoor recreation areas already began reopening in some counties.

How do we get to Phase 2?

As long as hospitals aren't overwhelmed with COVID-19 cases, Florida could move to Phase 2, DeSantis said. He's also not setting a date for the second phase, adopting a wait-and-see approach to how the state fares during the first phase, his staff said.

Contributing: John Kennedy, USA TODAY Network-Florida

This story originally published to floridatoday.com, and was shared to other Florida newspapers in the USA TODAY Network - Florida.